AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED

The AHA describes it as designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs an OSHA-compliant course completion card, or anyone who simply wants to be ready to respond in an emergency. The AHA also advises contacting your employer to ensure you are selecting the correct course for your job requirements.

Three training methods are listed: blended learning, which pairs a self-paced online portion with an in-person skills session; classroom training, which is instructor-led in-classroom learning with hands-on practice; and self-guided learning, which combines self-paced online learning with in-person hands-on practice and a skills session at an AHA approved training simulation station.

The AHA lists approximate times: blended learning is about 3 hours online plus about 2 hours of skills session; classroom is about 3.5 hours; self-guided learning is about 2 hours plus 1 hour of practice and hands-on skills session. The AHA notes times are approximate and vary with class size, equipment, discussion or remediation, and optional topics, with breaks not included in skills session timing.

The AHA lists the Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Course Completion Card as valid for 2 years for all three course options - blended learning, classroom, and self-guided learning. The card is the same regardless of which training method you choose.

No. The AHA states that all Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course options teach the same AHA science-based skills and result in the same AHA Course Completion Card. The choice between formats affects scheduling, delivery style, and time commitment rather than the underlying skills content.

For blended learning you complete the self-paced online portion, then a verified hands-on skills session with an AHA BLS or Heartsaver Instructor. The online course is the eLearning portion of the blended course and is designed to teach the information needed for first aid, CPR, and AED training, but it does not replace the in-person session.

The AHA comparison lists CE/CME as available for the blended learning option and not available for the classroom option. The self-guided learning column shows no CE/CME entry. If credit matters for your license or employer, confirm details with the Training Center before you register.

The AHA describes blended learning as ideal for learners with limited time who prefer some flexibility, and self-guided learning as ideal for employers and learners who need more scheduling flexibility to cover 24/7 shifts and multiple locations. Classroom is described as ideal for those who prefer all learning in person with immediate Instructor feedback.

The AHA lists audio and transcript for those with hearing or visual needs for the blended learning option. For classroom training, the AHA advises checking with the Training Center for accommodations. No accessibility features are listed for the self-guided learning option, so ask the provider directly if you need accommodations.